The Nigerian media space has been on “fire” since the announcement of a promising Afrobeats musician named Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, on September 12, 2023. The late Nigeria’s street singer allegedly died of an ear infection in Lagos at the age of 27.
Since then, circumstances leading to his death keep popping up in a line-up series of events ranging from the circumstances under which he died, the issues he had with his former record label (Marlian Music), the manners and ways in which he was buried, the aftermath drama of accusations, and the exhumation of his corpse for autopsy.
In video clips shared across social media, the size of the casket was not befitting, and he was buried hurriedly. However, after that, controversy sparked calls for inquiries into the cause of his death and clarifications on issues he had with his former record label.
The above circumstances led to a social movement with the hashtag #Justice4MohBad, ranging from mass tweets to organised processions in various cities. The protest has drawn media attention internationally, seeking to cleanse injustice in the Nigerian music industry.
Why tag the deceased’s former record label?
Mohbad, during his lifetime, crossed paths with Azeez Adeshina Fashola, known professionally as Naira Marley. He is the founder of the Marlian Records label. However, Mohbad’s talent and persistence seem to be the connection that played a pivotal role in his music career when he joined Naira Marley. But things later went astray.
On December 30, 2020, a year after the late singer joined the label, he took to his Twitter handle (now X) to “express his excitement about being signed into Marlian Music and also thanked Naira Marley for believing in him.”
Fast-forward: On October 5, 2022, the record label Boss was accused of assault by the late singer Mohbad in a series of statements on social media. Pictures and videos surfaced with noticeable injuries that necessitated the deceased’s hospitalisation then.
The controversy emanated when the deceased called out the label’s management in requesting a new manager, which led to ending his contract with the label in a letter signed by his lawyer citing the non-fulfilment of the terms of the contract signed in 2019 when he joined the record label.
Apart from Marlian records, another Lagos socialite known as Sam Larry, who happened to be an associate of the owner of Marlian Music, came under heavy fire on the internet “after a video of him and his men disrupting Mohbad’s video shoot with Zlatan Ibile surfaced on social media.”
Sam Larry, whose name is Balogun Olamilekan Eletu, is a music promoter and has been reportedly arrested in connection with the death and for interrogation.
The duo reacts
Both Naira Marley and Sam Larry have reacted, respectively. Naira Marley, who pledges to soon be in the country, has reacted by saying that his misunderstanding with the deceased cannot make him wish for his death.
In his statement, “all manner of stories have been woven against me in respect of his untimely death. I have not only been in shock over the death of the deceased, whom I considered to be my brother and member of our music family, but also over the various lies spread and threats against me.
“Before I progress further, let me say that, as it is traumatic for a lot of people to bear the reality of Leri’s death, so it is for me. May his gentle soul continue to rest in peace, and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
”Permit me to categorically state that I have no hand in the death of Llerioluwa, either directly or indirectly. It is not unusual in the industry, just like in several other industries, to have family friction, even among blood relatives.
“Truly, we had our own share of misunderstandings while working together, but the disagreement between us was never to the extent being painted by some hirelings. It never degenerated to the extent of wishing each other death. Even at that, we were resolving our business disputes legally before he had passed.” Part of the statement reads:
Sam Larry’s statement claims that the incident was seriously misrepresented.
The socialite explained that there were no malicious motives behind the confrontation, just a financial disagreement that led to it. Sam Larry says that he gave the deceased two million Naira in exchange for his performance at his mother’s bridal ceremony.
His statement reads, “Two years ago, I gave Ileri N2m to perform at my mother’s annual remembrance concert in Ikorodu. However, he never turned up. So, I called him to ask why. He then claimed that he was not feeling well, and when I asked for a refund, he said he lost his phone and money recently during an NDLEA raid. Since he was leaving Marlian Records, he claimed to be broke with no commitment to repay.
“Later, I heard that this same boy was shooting a music video next door, practically on the next street to my house. I went there to ask for my money again, and we had a 5-minute argument. One of his friends even insisted that he would pay the money. Till today, they have not paid me a single kobo. This happened early last year. Since then, I have moved on and travelled to Kenya to find a new African act for my mother’s concert this year. I have been away since August 20, and I don’t know anything about Mohbad other than what was written in the blogs and press. I don’t even know where he lives. I only know his former label boss and their house. I don’t know any nurse, doctor, hospital, or anything about his movement. I don’t have time for that. I have lost more money than before. You win some, you lose some.
“That is my story. Case closed. I came back willingly and happily. I know nothing about how the musician is doing.”
Nigerians react
Nigerians have been reacting due to the questionable circumstances in which the singer died. Comments have been trolling on social media handles, and processions were organised across various Nigerian cities and towns.
“His death sparked fury across the country, with calls on the police authorities to investigate the death of the music star.”
In various cities across the country, the candlelight procession took to the streets as Nigerian youths chanted against members of Mohbad’s former record label, Marlian Music, over allegations of bullying and harassment. Celebrities and other music stars also participated.
To further amplify the calls for justice, most participants had placards with several inscriptions to drum home their message. Apart from the deceased songs being streamed, abroad there was a massive show of love too; there was a billboard in New York with Mohbad’s images “as calls for a probe into circumstances surrounding his death continued to gain global mileage.”
Mohbad’s death as a message
Mohbad, known for his lyrical prowess and unique style, represented the dreams and aspirations of countless young talents in Africa. His rise to fame was a testament to the power of passion and persistence in an industry known for its challenges. Yet, his untimely demise underscores the fragility of life and the unpredictability of success, leaving many young artists to grapple with the harsh reality that their dreams, too, may be cut short.
Nigeria is one of the powerhouses in the global entertainment industry, with its influence particularly pronounced in the realm of Afrobeats music. This vibrant and infectious genre has not only captured the hearts of millions but has also transcended borders and garnered a dedicated international fan base.
One of the most significant contributions of Nigeria to the global entertainment stage is the mainstreaming of Afrobeats music. This genre, characterised by its fusion of traditional African rhythms with contemporary influences, has given rise to a wave of talented Nigerian artists who are celebrated worldwide. Artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Tiwa Savage have not only achieved international acclaim but have also opened doors for African artists on the global stage.
However, for upcoming and rising African artists, Mohbad’s death serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater mental health support within the entertainment industry. The pressures of fame, the constant scrutiny of the public eye, and the challenges of navigating a complex industry can take a toll on artists’ well-being. It is incumbent upon industry stakeholders, including record labels, managers, and fellow artists, to prioritise mental health awareness and support systems. Only then can future tragedies be prevented and young talents allowed to flourish without bearing the unbearable weight of fame.
The deceased saga leaves a void not only in the music industry but also in the hearts of young aspiring artists across the African continent. It shows that there is a need for a more compassionate and supportive industry, one that nurtures talent without sacrificing the well-being of its rising stars. Mohbad’s melodies may remain unfinished, but his legacy should serve as a clarion call for change within the African music industry.
Conclusively, as details surrounding his death continue to emerge, one cannot help but reflect on the profound impact this tragic loss has on aspiring artists across the continent. After the Lagos State Government intervention and an update from the Lagos State Police Command on the autopsy examination, many Nigerians are still waiting eagerly for the result. It is hoped that if the deceased’s death is unnatural, justice will be served after the investigation.
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This article expresses the views and opinions of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views of Qiraat Africa and its editors.
